Lovely Local Indie
The seasonal Haddon Hall artisan market is a regular feature at this stunning period property. For full transparency, a year ago I received gifted entry to Haddon’s late summer Mercatum. We enjoyed it so much that we have returned to every market since as paying customers – and I haven’t received any incentive for writing […]
What are Derbyshire oatcakes? A local delicacy, Derbyshire oatcakes date back to the 17th century. They are similar to a pancake (the thin crepe sort – not the fluffy American style) or a wheat tortilla in in both shape and texture. They are round (about the size of a side plate), soft and pliable. They […]
Is there anything more synonymous with British summertime than a picnic? Would you like some inspiration for perfect picnic spots? I must admit, I am not very lucky with picnics. I’m more a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants/buy-something-from-the-café type. When I have bothered to prepare a picnic it invariably rains and we end up eating it in the car. […]
Prior to me writing this article, if you googled “best cocktail bars in Derby” you basically get lists of national chain pubs. Whilst there’s a time and a place for that, I know that personally I’d rather be drinking at a great independent, with a professionally trained mixologist who serves high quality cocktails in beautifully […]
Stratstone Mini, who have dealerships in Derby and Chesterfield, got in touch to offer me an extended test drive of the new Mini Electric. You can book your own test drive here. The Mini Electric features the iconic Mini design that we all know and love, but with zero emissions. As well as being more […]
The Bottle Kiln in West Hallam is one of the loveliest places to have a relaxing al fresco lunch or coffee and catch up. Their expansive gift/lifestyle shops will have you lusting after all sorts of lovely things you really want (and probably don’t need). It’s the perfect place for gifts or to treat yourself. […]
[AD – PR invite – but views entirely my own] The Coolstone, Eyam is a wonderful day to night time restaurant, bar and coffee shop nestled around an attractive, historic courtyard next to Eyam Hall. Proudly independent, The Coolstone, Eyam prides itself on expert knowledge whether that’s the professional mixologist whipping up cocktails at the […]
[AD – PR invite] I was gifted this experience in exchange for a review. However, all opinions are entirely my own. I was kindly invited to Aqua Garden’s very first pop-up dining event which was held at S17 Coffee Shop and Bistro in the Bradway area of Sheffield. I really wasn’t sure what to expect. […]
A comprehensive list of the best Derbyshire playgrounds. We love a good playground. I am particularly fond of the ones where it’s easy to park and where I can combine it with getting a good coffee! Here’s my guide to the best Derbyshire playgrounds. The vast majority of these we have tried and tested ourselves. […]
How I found my love of local Feel free to scroll straight down to the list if you just want to cut to the chase. If you’re of a certain age, you’ll appreciate how the word ‘local’ has come full circle back into being in fashion and desirable. When I was growing up, I had […]